3 Safe Driving Tips to Avoid a Truck Accident

Truck accidents can result in serious property damage and even permanent injuries. Due to a truck’s size and weight, the consequences of their accidents are more severe compared to a crash with a smaller motor vehicle. There are some precautions you can take when driving near a truck to reduce your chances of being in an accident. Remember these safety tips whenever you’re driving next to or near a large truck or bus.

1. Stay Out of Their Blind Spots

Trucks and buses have blind spots on all four sides, this means that a driver can’t see your vehicle and this could lead to an accident if both drivers are not careful. These blind spots are called “no zones” and they include, directly in front and behind a truck, and along each side. If you can’t see the truck driver's reflection in their side mirror then you are probably in their blind spot and they can’t see you. Slow down or move ahead to stay out of the "no zone" and remain visible for a truck driver.

2. Pass Safely

Before passing a truck or bus, make sure you signal your movement and accelerate so that you can pass the truck safely and quickly, try not to linger in any of their blind spots. Before passing them make sure you can see them in your rearview mirror and give them extra space before moving in front of them. If you pass and are too close in front of them you may be in their blind spot, trucks take longer to slow down and you may have not given them enough space to safely slow down, resulting in a rear-end accident.

3. Don’t Drive Drowsy or Intoxicated

According to San Antonio truck accident attorneys from the Law Offices of Maloney & Campolo, human errors such as drowsy driving are one of the most common causes of trucking accidents. Avoid driving tired or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drowsy or intoxicated driving could result in a serious accident and puts your own life and other drivers' lives in danger.

Remember to follow traffic rules and avoid distractions while driving. A crash with a motor vehicle or a semi-truck can result in injuries, property damage, economic losses, and other unfortunate losses. Do your best to prevent an accident and keep your loved ones safe.